Where to Travel Domestically Right Now

Things are reopening and a lot more people are ready to travel, but aren't too interested in taking a long flight. In fact, many people are still wary of flying internationally and are looking to domestic destinations to satisfy their travel bug. So, if you're looking for places in the US that have high vaccination rates and are still taking the pandemic, and your safety, seriously. 

While we're fully vaxxed, we aren't interested in going anywhere that's going to be super crowded or popular, and we won't be traveling in the summer at all. Right now, restaurants, museums, national parks and the like are super busy. In fact, many national parks right now are closing to visitors very early in the day, due to how many visitors they're getting. So, where should you go instead?

Los Angeles

More than half of those 16+ in LA are fully vaccinated and the state is finally open with some restrictions. Cases are dropping and soon those attending events and large gatherings will be able to use CLEAR to show they have been vaccinated. The state overall is trying really hard to lure tourists back, especially with Disneyland and other theme parks open.

New York City

Not only is NYC getting back on track for their people, but they will also be vaccinating visitors who would like to get a shot via mobile vaxx sites. Broadway shows are reopening, and the food scene is bouncing back, and those getting vaccinated are eligible for a ton of freebies, like Knicks tickets and Shake Shack yums.

New Orleans

Though it looks like NoLa was going to be pretty behind in keeping their local healthy, they shut down things and cancelled regular Mardi Gras celebrations and told travelers to please stay home. Instead of getting risque, you can now get freebies around town by flashing your vaccination card at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.

Charlottesville, VA

Virginia has launched its WanderLove campaign, and you'll find a bunch of LOVE installations across the state for taking pics. You'll even be able to get free beers and other things if you can prove you've had at least your first Covid shot. 

Houston

Despite how badly Texas in general is doing in regards to Covid vaccines, including not reporting correct numbers, Houston seems to be doing much, much better than everywhere else. Open-air concerts are back, so enjoy the weather and nature out at Discovery Green. This park hosts free weekly music performances, a permanent art installation and even two restaurants, where you can indulge in some great Texas BBQ.

Chicago

With vaccine rates rising and Covid numbers falling, outdoor dining and drive-in movies are returning this summer and people are flocking to the beaches. If you're looking for more to do in Chicago, check out this post.

Honolulu

Hawaii has been a great travel destination throughout this pandemic, holding firm on their quarantine rules and then omitting them for those who are fully vaccinated. Travelers are required to Covid test before travel and on the way back to the mainland. It's been a while since I've been to Honolulu, but if you're looking for affordable things to do, I've got tips for visiting Molokai, Maui or Honolulu.

Washington, DC

With Covid restrictions finally lifted, most of the museums have reopened. The weather is generally nice during the summer and early fall, so eating outside will be pleasant, allowing you to dig in to the rich foodie scene. Here are some of the things we did on one of our previous trips.

Las Vegas

After a rough start with opening and closing and trying to figure out how to keep things going throughout the pandemic, Vegas finally got it together and has been welcoming visitors with extra precautions. Thought many things may have closed, new things have opened, making the city new in lots of ways for repeat visitors like me. We decided against NBA Summer League this year, but we will be road tripping there in late September/early October. 

Some states are doing much better when it comes to vaccinating its population than others. Here's how each stands a month or so ago, based on how many have gotten at least one dose. If you're doing a road trip, this might be important information for your route.

If you are looking into traveling outside of the country, here are some countries with high vaccination rates that might be on your list to visit.

Are you hoping to travel soon? If so, where are you planning to go?

Checking In

We seem to be in a transitional time. We're going from a bunch of restrictions to hardly any restrictions and I'm not entirely sure how to handle it. The pandemic made a lot of normal things seem questionable and though we've been dipping our toes in, I think there are a lot of things we will change going forward. 

Summer brings with it a slew of family birthdays and people wanting to make a bunch of plans with us. Staying home was actually really good for my mental and physical health. I didn't have to tell anyone no, because staying home and keeping physically distant from people outside your house were a given. I have been able to enjoy more time with my husband and myself and I was super into it, so I'll tell you how I am, and you can tell me how you're dealing right now.

Making: Chocolate mint cakes for Eric's birthday. He requested that flavor combo, so I made mini bundts to serve at our first indoor, non-masked family celebration. While I know we probably aren't in danger of getting each other sick with Covid, I also am starting to realize that eating cake that someone else has blown on is pretty weird and gross. I might always do a mini cake for the candles from now on.

Drinking: A lot of coffee still, because I'm trying my best to help out my local coffee shops, but I have also been trying the new Cutwater Spirits canned cocktails, which are a great alternative to going out and spending $10+ on a cocktail or buying everything to mix yourself. The Paloma is a great, refreshing drink for the summer.

Listening: New music by Ashnikko, AJR, and The Band Camino. I've also been listening to the new season of The Adventure Zone podcast, while also relistening to TAZ Amnesty to get back to some old friends. The McElroy podcasts got me through 2020 and I'm glad I've gotten back to them. Gamers might appreciate The Besties, where Justin and Griffin talk with some other friends about the best games of the week. 

Looking: At things to do in the Maldives and in Colombo, Sri Lanka, though we won't be going for another year .I'm also looking into new things to do in Las Vegas, and things on the way for our upcoming road trip.

Wishing: We were going on vacation sooner than September, but since we're also planning several more trips for next year, I can't complain too much.

Enjoying: The nicer weather and sitting outside in the backyard and doing the little bit of gardening...and stick-on manicures. My favorites right now are from Lily & Fox. They are easy to put on, they're affordable, and they last longer than expected. I think they will be perfect for travel, because if it gets chippy, you can just peel them off and put on new ones...or not.

Wondering: If crowded spaces will ever feel comfortable for me again or if I will always feel like I need a mask in those sorts of spaces. 

Watching: I just finally watched Raya and the Last Dragon on Disney+ and I loved it. Like everyone else on the planet, I'm watching Loki. I've also been watching Girls5eva on Peacock, which is hysterical, and Dollhouse on Hulu with Kat Dennings, which I also love, but it makes me glad I don't have to date ever again. If you're struggling a bit with mental health and/or anxiety, Bo Burnham's Netflix special Inside is fun, interesting, and heart-wrenching at the same time. If you've not been exposed to his comedy before, I'd not suggest starting with this one, as it can be difficult to watch in spots. He wrote and filmed the whole thing himself and it took him an entire year, but I feel like it may also be his best. 

Hoping: More people will get vaccinated across the country, so traveling feels more safe, and we have a much smaller chance of having Covid variants (like the Delta variant that comes with black fungus) running rampant through our population and doing a whole other round of lockdown/quarantine.

Marveling: At just how many cool things there are to see/do in Portland that aren't hiking. The city gets even more creative with things when group/crowd activities are not happening. 

Needing: Some time away from home, which I will get in due time. In the meantime, I realized what I was needing was some hugs from family, which I indulged in over the last weekend now that we're all fully vaccinated.

Smelling: All the mint and tomatoes growing in my yard. 

Wearing: More colorful makeup to feel happier and my new white Columbia slip-on PFG shoes, because the weather's nice and I am finally going out of the house more and shoes matter again. 

Thinking: About how much I don't really miss eating out. I mean, I like going out and having someone serve me food I didn't cook, but after over a year of making my own food or getting food delivered, I think I will be more picky about when I eat out and where I go. We probably won't be going back to eating out 3-4 times during the weekend. If we do, I think it will revolve a lot more around the food trucks and a lot less around going inside somewhere.

Buying: Backgrounds for more summery destinations. I'll still be doing Destination Date Night staycations, just maybe less frequently. We've found them to be a great little escape that's affordable. We'll be doing Malta soon.  

Disliking: How full restaurants are in the middle of the week and how busy the highways are becoming again. 

Feeling: Like I need to get back into vacation mode now that more and more people are getting vaccinated and travel is getting back to normal. I'm already planning much more than I have in the whole last year.

Now, tell me how things are going with you

Dad & Grad Travel Gift List 2021

Guess what? We're finally getting back to normal and people will be traveling and living a life outside of their home and local grocery store. With Father's Day coming up quick and everyone graduating right now, travel gifts can really go a long way in making your recipients extra happy. 

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

We're seeing things start to open, and even if we aren't taking advantage of those early opportunities to stay healthy, having a travel bag packed and ready is a great thing to work on, and you can even use those things at home. As always, here is my list of awesome things for your loved ones, broken down into price categories:

Budget - under $50

1. SpectraSpray

There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a Jet Lag Kit or Stay Well Kit. $19.95+ on SpectraSpray - my review is here

2. Nabee Compression Socks

Sitting on long flights and/or walking all day, can really be bad for your circulation. I have issues with swelling ankles and feet and have found that compression socks are a necessity for my life. I love the fun patterns that Nabee has. Just because you're doing something to help you stay healthy, doesn't mean you can't look awesome doing it. $29.99 from Nabee.

3. AeroPress Go

Does your dad/grad love coffee? Are they always jetting off somewhere? Even if they just enjoy camping or needsto free up some space in their home (or college dorm), the AeroPress Go is perfect for those that just want a good cup of Joe at home. It makes amazing coffee, is super easy to use and clean, and fits inside its own mug. $31.95 from AeroPress or Amazon - my review is here

4. Airplane Pockets

I really hate the airplane seat pocket. Mostly because they aren't large enough for things I want to have during my flight, but also because I've found so much trash in them when I've flown. Get your dad/grad a set of Airplane Pockets that slip over the tray table (covering it with an anti-bacterial fabric) and give them 4 pockets to hold their phone, glasses, pen, snacks, book and whatever else. If you follow me on IG, you've seen these in action on my trips. $29 on Amazon

5. Well Told drinkware

Since no one's going anywhere for the foreseeable future, why not give them something to remind them of a favorite trip or destination, or a big trip they have hopes of. Well Told Design makes beautiful drinkware with etched maps and more. I have a pair of London pint glasses, but I'm hoping to add to the collection soon. $18+ on Well Told - my review is here

6. Belkin Mini Surge Protector

We have several of these - one for travel and some for our house. These surge protectors are so useful, because you can turn one outlet into three sockets and two USB ports. the back swivels, so you can fit it anywhere and then plug in all your gadgets. It has come in handy in those rooms that have maybe one free outlet (read: 95% of hotel rooms) that isn't at the bathroom vanity. Give your dad the convenience of always having enough power outlets. $16.89 on Amazon

7. Bamboo utensils from The Other Straw
When we all start traveling again, even if it's just around town, we're especially going to want to eat out, even if that's just at food trucks. I'm really loving these great bamboo utensils from The Other Straw. Not only are they eco-friendly and nice to look at, but they come in their own pouch for keeping them clean in between uses and TOS donates 50% of their profits to fund ocean cleanups. $9.56 on The Other Straw

Moderate - $50-100

1. Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack 2.0

I am a huge fan of Timbuk2 bags. They have ones that are great for everyday and ones that also work well for travel. The Rogue 2.0 is perfect for toting your laptop on trips, along with snacks, books and all the other things you want in-flight. They can work as great weekenders, or for those that light to pack super light, which is usually me if I travel alone. The less I have to carry, the better, and a backpack is easy to get down the tiny airplane aisle. It can be paired with the Packable Travel Tote for coming home with extra goodies.  $89 on Timbuk2 | $39 on Timbuk2

2. FaceCradle

There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. $49.99 on Amazon - my review is here

3. Barrier Method Neckie

Everyone's got a mask or two right now, but Barrier Method was selling theirs before they were all the rage. I always get compliments on my winged mask. With summer coming, the neckie is smaller, but still lightweight and effective. This anti-bacterial mask is both healthy and pretty and can be used to stay well, reduce your allergens, keep your neck warm, among other things. Gift your dad/grad the gift of health and wellness with one of these. They can wear it to the grocery store and on the plane. $50 from The Barrier Method - my review is here

4. Bluffworks Original Khakis or Departure Jeans

It can be hard to find the perfect pair of pants to travel in or with. Bluffworks started with their original chinos and have since branched out into jeans, blazers, shorts, and now women's clothing. Their pants go from boardroom to sightseeing to rock climbing to dinner out. They look great, they're stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking and even include security pockets. Pack fewer pieces that have more versatility. Your dad already probably hates to pack, and your grad hates to do laundry, so these pieces work for everyone. $49+ on Bluffworks

5. Tropicfeel shoes

I backed these as a kickstarter, because they sounded amazing. They are pretty much Spring and Summer shoes (though if the fall isn't cold, you could wear them then too). We travel to Vegas a lot and do a ton of theme parks, which have plenty of water activities. These shoes are like your best sneakers and water shoes in one. I backed them hoping they would be as good as they sounded, and they were. We both have a pair and they are super lightweight, can be worn with or without socks, and look fantastic. They are perfect for all the walking your dad/grad will do on their travels. $100 on TropicFeel

6. Benjilock

Regular TSA-accepted locks usually suck, and are easy to forget the combination to, especially if you only travel a few times a year. If that's a problem your dad has too, so he just doesn't use a lock on her luggage, a Benjilock might just be what he needs. Instead of a combination or a key, it opens with a fingerprint. And if he's traveling with several people who are using the same carry-on/suitcase, it can hold up to 10 fingerprints. $70 on Amazon, but can also be found at The Home Depot and QVC and Ace Hardware

Splurge - $100+

1. Gift cards

Buy a gift card that can be used for their favorite airline or hotel chain (or Airbnb) or rental car company when they can travel again. It's nice because you can customize it and make it a bit more personal than a normal gift card. $1-infinity: whatever you want to spend.

2. GlobeIn monthly travel box

If your mom doesn't quite have the funds to travel (or just misses traveling during Lockdown), but loves cool stuff from other countries anyway. Give her the gift of stuff from around the world with the GlobeIn box. Each box contains at least 4 goodies from other countries and they all center around a story. $144 for a 3-month subscription. (The price per box goes down with longer subscriptions)

3. CityPASS

I'm sure your mom already has her next trip planned. Why not help her make it more affordable by giving her most or all of her activities for free? You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website

4. Priority Pass

Hanging out in the airport can be fun, but after a while, you wish it could be better. Buy your dad access to all the airport lounges, so he can get some peace and quiet, free snacks and maybe get some work done or catch a shower. You can purchase him the standard pass for $99/year, or upgrade them to the plus for $299, which includes 10 free visits (generally member visits are $32).

5. Travelon Heritage Carry-All Weekender

This wide-mouth weekender has so much room in it for a weekend or a week or a two-week trip. It's true! I packed two people's clothing in it for a week in Vegas. Not only is it spacious, but it's also super good looking. Your mom will get so much use from this bag and get all the compliments as well. $115 on Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% - my review is here

6. Ebags Fortis Spinner Carry On

Has your dad been using the same beat up carry-on for decades? Or your grad doesn't even have a real piece of luggage? Then this bag works for either. The hardside shell gives it extra strength to keep their belongings safe, the spinner wheels make it easy to take even on cobblestones, and they can't overpack, though you can expand it for extra purchases and check it home. $159.99 on Amazon

And if you want to throw in an extra fun thing in for them, you can add a Happy Traveler shirt, bag, coasters, or travel mug for them to take wherever they may go.

7. Battpak by Octave

With graduates going off to college or possibly backpacking across countries soon, they're going to need a good battery back-up for their phones. You don't want to have all your valuables out in the open, and the Battpak is perfect for those occasions, because not only will it charge their phone, but they can also keep extra money, an emergency credit card, or whatever else they want to keep hidden in the secret compartment. $129, on sale for $99, on Octave

What are you doing for the dad or grad in your life this year?

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